SAM ALLARDYCE slipped into the Newcastle hotseat and swiftly revealed his intention to resolve Michael Owen’s situation as a matter of urgency.

The 52-year-old was unveiled as Glenn Roeder’s successor yesterday afternoon after signing a three-year contract to inherit a job which has assumed the appearance of the proverbial poisoned chalice in recent years.

He did so against the backdrop of intense speculation over the £17m England striker’s future on Tyneside amid claims he could leave for as little as £9m after managing just 14 appearances for the club in two years.

Allardyce met those players who did not have other commitments at the training ground yesterday morning after arriving in the north east by helicopter, but will speak to the others, principally Owen, as soon as possible.

Whether his ambitions for the club can persuade Owen his future remains at St James’ Park remains to be seen, but that is the new manager’s hope.